At the April 14, 2026, meeting of the Board of Trustees, Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson celebrated the third cohort of the "Flying Pig Awards." The awards, established in 2024, honor those within the Peralta community who go above and beyond to serve students and the District in ways that often seem improbable.

In her opening remarks, Chancellor Gilkerson highlighted the spirit of the award:

"The Peralta Colleges are home to many extraordinary individuals who consistently exceed expectations in their service to students, employees, and the community. In January 2024, I introduced the whimsically named Flying Pig Awards to celebrate such achievements, those that defy expectations and embody the true spirit of Peralta. The Flying Pig Award really is our way of recognizing the moments when something feels hard, complex, and even a little unlikely. And yet, it moves forward anyway. It moves forward because of people who stay committed, who lean into collaboration, and who keep students at the center of the work."

This year’s ceremony recognized a diverse group of individuals and collective teams whose work has been instrumental in advancing the District's transformation plan and core mission.

Individual Honorees

Jennifer Gerry, Tutoring Program Manager and math faculty at Laney College, was recognized for her student-centered leadership. Colleagues noted her ability to create inclusive spaces grounded in compassion and her dedication to evolving academic support to meet the needs of all scholars and staff.

Tara Marrero, Facilities Project Coordinator at Merritt College, received an award for her exceptional professionalism and care. She was specifically cited for her leadership in bridging critical gaps during recent months and her impactful support for community events, including the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference.

Ken Lira, Dean of Enrollment Services at the District Service Center, was honored for his significant, far-reaching impact on the District’s infrastructure. Through his leadership, the District has seen strengthened financial aid and enrollment systems, improved compliance, and increased financial support for students.

Bob and Shannon Alten of Alten Construction were recognized as community partners for over three decades of sustained commitment. Their investment has been vital to facilities such as the Transportation and Technology Center at the College of Alameda, as well as ongoing safety improvements and support through the Peralta Colleges Foundation.

Group Leadership and Collaboration

In a shift for this year's awards, Chancellor Gilkerson placed a spotlight on collective efforts that have been foundational to the District’s restructuring and transformation.

A cohort of student leaders—Tuguldur Natsagdorj, Rey Saitoh, Bianca Ramirez, Kristina Hoessl, and Rosa Perez—was honored for their roles on the District Transformation Plan task forces. These students were credited with ensuring that the student voice remained central to decisions regarding dual enrollment, distance education, and district-wide unification and collaboration.

The District-wide Academic and Faculty Senate Presidents—including Matthew Freeman (BCC), Jennifer Fowler (COA), Eleni Gastis (Laney),  Monica Ambalal (Merritt), and Leslie Blackie (District Academic Senate)—were collectively recognized for their commitment to shared governance. The Chancellor noted their integrity and willingness to engage in complex, difficult conversations to ensure academic values remain at the forefront of District decisions.

Finally, the Student Success and Enrollment Management Committee (SSEMC) was awarded for its leadership in the District’s transformation plan. The committee, which includes a broad range of faculty, staff, and administrators, was praised for breaking down silos and moving the District toward coordinated action through initiatives like the District-wide data summit.

To conclude the presentation, Chancellor Gilkerson shared a final message of gratitude and a reminder of the District’s potential:

 "To all of tonight's Flying Pig Award recipients, your work embodies our mission of advancing social and economic transformation for students in the community. You remind us that even the most complex challenges can move forward with commitment, collaboration, and purpose. We often say 'when pigs fly' to describe the impossible, but tonight is a reminder that pigs do fly in Peralta. And with the right people, the right values, and a shared commitment to students, even the unlikely becomes possible. And you are what makes Peralta special."

You can watch a video of the awards presentation on YouTube here, while more photos are posted in SmugMug here.